Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Challenges and Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, standing tall at 19,341 feet. Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires physical and mental preparation. The mountain offers several routes, each with its own challenges and rewards. In this blog post, we will explore the Kilimanjaro trekking challenges and the Machame and Rongai routes.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Challenges
Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is not an easy feat. The altitude, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain are some of the challenges that trekkers face. Altitude sickness is a common problem that affects many trekkers. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and fatigue. To avoid altitude sickness, it is essential to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at high altitude before attempting the summit.
The weather on Kilimanjaro is unpredictable, and trekkers should be prepared for all types of weather conditions. The mountain has five different climate zones, ranging from tropical rainforest to arctic tundra. Trekkers should bring appropriate clothing for each climate zone.
The terrain on Kilimanjaro is rugged, with steep ascents and descents. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges of the trek. Training before the trek is essential to build endurance and strength.
Machame Route
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route” because it is more challenging than the “Coca-Cola Route” (Marangu Route). The Machame Route takes six to seven days to complete, and trekkers cover a distance of approximately 62 kilometers.
The Machame Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings. The route starts in the rainforest and climbs up to the Shira Plateau. Trekkers then pass through the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall before reaching the summit via the Barafu Camp.
The Machame Route is challenging due to its steep ascents and descents. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges of the route. The route is also longer than other routes, which means that trekkers need to carry more gear and supplies.
Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is a less crowded route than the Machame Route and offers a more gradual ascent. The Rongai Route takes six to seven days to complete, and trekkers cover a distance of approximately 65 kilometers.
The Rongai Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings. The route starts in the rainforest and climbs up to the Second Cave Camp. Trekkers then pass through the Kikelewa Caves and Mawenzi Tarn before reaching the summit via the Kibo Hut.
The Rongai Route is less challenging than the Machame Route, but trekkers should still be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges of the route. The route is also longer than other routes, which means that trekkers need to carry more gear and supplies.
Conclusion
Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is a challenging and rewarding experience. The Machame and Rongai routes offer stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings, but each route has its own challenges. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges of the trek. Proper training and acclimatization are essential to ensure a successful summit.